What Is the Cost to Change a Flight Across All Major Airlines? In 2025-26

The cost of changing a flight depends on the airline and the type of ticket you purchased. Many major carriers have now removed  +1 (866) 558-3017 change fees for most domestic flights and some international routes, but you may still need to pay the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive.

Travel plans often change unexpectedly, whether due to work, family emergencies, or health concerns. For many travelers, the first question that arises is: What is the cost to change a flight across all major airlines? Understanding airline policies and associated fees can save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs, provide tips for reducing change fees, and explain how third-party agencies like Flightshelpcenter can assist you in navigating complex airline rules.

Understanding Airline Change Fees

Airline change fees vary widely depending on the carrier, ticket type, and route. 1 (866) 558-3017 While some airlines have eliminated change fees on most tickets, others still charge significant amounts. Typically, the cost to change a flight includes:

1. Change Fee – A fixed fee charged by the airline for modifying your booking. 1 (866) 558-3017

2. Fare Difference – The difference between your original ticket price and the price of the new ticket.

Some airlines allow free changes for certain fare classes, such as business or flexible tickets, while basic economy tickets often come with stricter rules.

Airlines with No Change Fees on Most Flights:

• American Airlines: No change fees for most fare types.

• Delta Air Lines: No change fees for most domestic flights and some international flights originating in the U.S. and Canada.

• United Airlines: No change fees on most paid flights within the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.

• Southwest Airlines: Change fees are eliminated for all domestic and international flights.

• JetBlue: Change fees depend on the fare type, ranging +1 (866) 558-3017 from $0–$100 for domestic flights and $0–$200 for international routes.

• Hawaiian Airlines: Most fares do not incur change fees, except for Main Cabin Basic tickets.

Situations That May Still Incur Fees:

1. Basic or Restrictive Fares: Tickets like Basic Economy often still have change fees or may not allow changes.

2. Same-Day Changes: Many airlines charge extra for same-day flight changes. For instance, Delta charges $75 for changing a flight on the same day.

3. International Travel: Some carriers may charge fees for international flights depending on the route and fare type.

4. Fare Differences: Even if there’s no official change fee, you must pay the difference if your new ticket costs more.

5. Budget Airlines: Low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier often charge fees for flight changes, though optional add-ons like “Flight Flex” or “Trip Flex” may allow changes at a lower cost.

Tips for Travelers:

• Always check your ticket type before booking if you think you might need flexibility.

• Consider budget-friendly add-ons like “Trip Flex” to avoid hefty fees.

• Compare airlines’ change policies; even without a fee, fare differences can be significant.

By understanding airline policies and fees ahead of time, you can make flight changes with less stress and avoid unexpected charges.

Cost to Change a Flight: Airline by Airline

Here’s a breakdown of the cost to change a flight across all major airlines:

1. American Airlines

• Domestic flights: No change fee for most standard tickets (Basic Economy excluded).

• International flights: Fees may vary; flexible tickets often have no fee.

• Additional cost: Any fare difference applies.

2. Delta Airlines

• Domestic and international flights: No change fee for most tickets.

• Basic Economy: Non-changeable; full ticket forfeited if not used.

• Tip: Delta often allows same-day flight changes for a smaller fee.

3. United Airlines

• Most tickets: Change fees waived, except for Basic Economy.

• International flights: Fare differences apply, sometimes significantly.

• Helpful resource: Contacting a Flightshelpcenter agent at 1 (866) 558-3017 can clarify international change fees.

4. Southwest Airlines

• Unique policy: No change fees at all.

• Refunds: Travel credit issued for fare differences if the new flight is cheaper.

• Tip: This makes Southwest ideal for travelers needing flexible schedules.

5. JetBlue

• Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra tickets: Change fees eliminated for most routes.

• Blue Basic: Change fees and fare differences apply.

• Tip: JetBlue sometimes offers fare discounts when changing online.

6. Alaska Airlines

• Change fees: Generally eliminated for standard tickets.

• Fare difference: Applicable if new flight is more expensive.

• Assistance: You can verify options through Flightshelpcenter at 1 (866) 558-3017.

7. Frontier Airlines

• Change fees: Applied for most flights, especially international routes.

• Fare difference: Always applicable.

• Tip: Frontier often charges higher fees for same-day changes.

8. Spirit Airlines

• Change fees: Charged per ticket class and route.

• Fare difference: Applicable.

• Note: Spirit's policy is strict; travelers may benefit from expert advice at Flightshelpcenter.

Tips for Reducing Flight Change Costs

Even if airlines charge fees, there are ways to minimize your expenses:

1. Book flexible tickets – Many airlines offer premium tickets that allow free changes.

2. Use travel credits – If your original flight is canceled, credits can offset costs.

3. Monitor fare differences – Sometimes the fare difference is smaller if booked in advance.

4. Leverage third-party assistance – Agencies like Flightshelpcenter at 1 (866) 558-3017 can help identify cheaper or faster options.

How Flightshelpcenter Can Assist

Understanding airline policies can be confusing, especially with different rules for domestic, international, refundable, and non-refundable tickets. Flightshelpcenter specializes in guiding travelers through these complexities.

• Expert advice: Agents explain airline-specific fees.

• Booking changes: They can handle flight modifications quickly.

• Cost savings: By identifying optimal fare differences, they reduce unnecessary expenses.

• Availability: 24/7 assistance at 1 (866) 558-3017.

Whether you need help for a domestic ticket on Delta or an international flight on United, Flightshelpcenter simplifies the process.

FAQs

How Do I Change a Flight on Any Airline?

Changing a flight is possible with almost all airlines. Most carriers allow you to adjust your departure date, time, or even destination, depending on your ticket type. You can typically make changes through the airline’s website or mobile app, though some airlines may require you to call customer service, especially for multi-passenger bookings or complex itineraries.

What Are the Costs to Change a Flight on Major Airlines?

Flight change fees vary widely depending on the airline, ticket type, and travel route. Many major airlines like Delta, United, and Southwest no longer charge change fees for standard economy or premium tickets, but you will still need to pay any fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. Budget airlines, such as Frontier or Spirit, may charge fees ranging from $50 to $200 or more, with rates often increasing closer to the flight date.

What Is the Average Cost to Change a Flight?

On average, flight change costs can range from $0 to $400 or more. Free changes are usually available on flexible or refundable tickets, while non-refundable tickets may incur a fee plus any difference in fare. The exact amount depends on the airline’s policies and how far in advance you make the change.

Is It Cheaper to Cancel or Change a Flight?

It depends on your situation. If you’re not traveling at all, canceling may save money, especially if fares drop and you can rebook at a lower price. However, if you plan to fly later, changing your ticket might be more economical, particularly if your ticket is refundable or flexible.

Can I Change a Flight I Already Booked?

Yes. You can modify a booked flight, but costs vary. Some airlines charge a change fee and require you to pay any fare difference, while others allow free changes on eligible tickets. Most changes can be made online, though complex itineraries or multiple passengers may require a phone call.

Can I Change My Flight Date Without Paying a Fee?

Many airlines allow free changes within 24 hours of booking due to federal regulations. Beyond that, free changes are typically available only for flexible, refundable, or award tickets, or in cases of significant schedule changes initiated by the airline. Otherwise, a fee may apply.

What Is the 45-Minute Rule?

For domestic flights, some airlines suggest arriving at least 45 minutes before departure to check in and drop bags. Missing this window can result in losing your reservation. Separately, the term is also used in productivity techniques, but in the travel context, it refers to airport check-in timelines.

Conclusion

Knowing what is the cost to change a flight across all major airlines is crucial for stress-free travel planning. Fees vary depending on airline, ticket type, and route, but fare differences often remain a constant factor. Travelers can reduce costs by booking flexible tickets, monitoring fare changes, and seeking expert help.

For anyone struggling to navigate airline change policies, Flightshelpcenter provides reliable assistance. With their expert agents and 24/7 support at 1 (866) 558-3017, you can handle ticket changes efficiently and avoid unnecessary fees.

Whether it’s a last-minute schedule conflict or an unexpected trip adjustment, understanding airline change costs and leveraging the support of Flightshelpcenter ensures that your travel plans remain flexible, affordable, and stress-free.